GIVE THEM A CHANCE: Reid wants England to throw their young talent into the firing line [GETTY]

With England's first World Cup game coming in the sweltering heat of the Amazonian rain forest, Reid thinks Roy Hodgson should give the kids a chance.

Reid said: "[Adam] Lallana's a good attacking player. I think we've got some good young players coming through.

"[Raheem] Sterling's got pace and can get beyond people, [Jack] Wilshere's still a young man, [Ross] Barkley at Everton's still a young man.

YOUNG LION: Townsend was given his England chance and took it superbly [GETTY]

“If these young lads are good enough then they should come through”

Peter Reid

"People go on about a lack of experience, I think there's a hole in that. If these young lads are good enough then they should come through.

"In '66 when we won the world cup, there was a young man won came through called Alan Ball, he was only 19 I believe.

"He came and he had a massive influence so young players, if they're good enough and show their ability, get them playing, why not?"

And Reid was quick to rebuff claims that Hodgson's tactics would be too conservative and cagey for the youngsters to get a look in.

Reid added: "People say that, but I'll tell you what he did, he put Andros Townsend in and everyone thought 'what's he doing?' for those qualifying games [against Poland and Montenegro].

GET HIM ON THE PLANE: Reid says he'd take Barkley to Brazil [GETTY]

"I thought that was a massive shout by the England manager. So even though people say he's conservative, if he gets a feel for somebody he won't be afraid to put him in there and I think that situation showed that."

One youngster that Reid knows a thing or two about is Everton's Barkley, but would he take him to Brazil if he was in charge?

Reid said: "He was in terrific form when he got his injury. I think he's a really exciting attacking midfield player.